How to Get a U.S. Green Card for a Canadian Citizen
Applying for a United States Green Card can be a lengthy process that requires, at the very least, several petitions and paperwork, fees and financial records. Because each applicant is different, it is difficult to assign a general cost to the process or estimate the required time. What is certain is the necessary forms that must be completed for a Canadian citizen to obtain a U.S. Green Card.
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Instructions
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Apply for a U.S. Green Card by filing a Family-based petition. The petition is limited to Canadians with relatives living in the U.S. who hold a Green Card or are U.S. citizens. The eligible family member must sponsor or petition you for the Green Card. He can visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website (see Resources below) to obtain the appropriate form, including the Petition for Alien Relative (1-130), or contact the department by phone at 800-375-5283.
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File Spousal Sponsorship Petition I-130. Canadian citizens with a U.S. spouse may be eligible for sponsorship. The spouse would need to file the I-130 Petition and prove that her income is 125% above the poverty line. If she is unable to do so, she must provide a co-sponsor and together with this citizen or Green Card holder file an I-864 application. If the spouse is only a Green Card holder, the application could take several years to process.
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Apply for an Employment-Based Petitions for a Green Card. Applicants should already reside in the U.S. and hold a valid U.S. Work Visa such as an L1 Visa or an H-1B Visa. The employer would need to file an I-140 application to the Service Center in the city where the employer is based or the place of employment will take place.
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Hire an immigration attorney or file the appropriate forms with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. These forms require filing and general processing fees. Once the appropriate petition is filed, the applicant and his sponsor may be subject to long waiting periods. The type of petition filed, income level of the applicant as well as other factors will determine how quickly the application is processed.
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Tips & Warnings
Work with an immigration lawyer before applying for a U.S. Green Card.
The instructions provided within this article should not be used to take the place of proper legal advice.
Federal law mandates that all Canadian citizens be fingerprinted and undergo a federal background check. Any Canadian citizens applying for a U.S. Green Card, as well as co-sponsors, must adhere to the security regulations outlined by the USCIS. For detailed instructions, see Resources below.
